🇪🇺 Foods banned in European Union but legal in the US
Regulator: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for food; European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for cosmetics
Overview
The European Union operates under a precautionary principle: if there is reasonable doubt about safety, a substance is restricted or banned until proven safe. This contrasts with the United States, where the FDA requires proof of harm before revoking approval. As a result, the EU has banned or tightly restricted over 1,300 cosmetic ingredients and numerous food additives that remain freely used in American products.
Key differences vs. the United States
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Ingredients European Union bans or restricts
- Red Dye 40E129
- Red Dye 3E127
- Yellow Dye 5E102
- Yellow Dye 6E110
- Blue Dye 1E133
- Blue Dye 2E132
- Green Dye 3E143
- Potassium BromateE924
- AzodicarbonamideE927a
- Butylated HydroxyanisoleE320
- Titanium DioxideE171
- RactopaminePaylean
- Brominated Flame RetardantsBFRs
- Partially Hydrogenated OilsPHOs
- Recombinant Bovine Growth HormonerBGH
FAQs
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